Reindeer Farm Visit

This product visits one of the largest working farms in Enontekiö. They not only have their traditional reindeer herding business in operation, but they also run one of the northernmost horse stables in Finland, and breed two breeds of trotters: Finnish Horses and American WB Horses and can talk more about this side of their lives too, to those that are interested.

During your tour of the farm, you will learn about how people live and have lived in Enontekiö both traditionally and today as they have incorporated the machines of the 21st century into their ancient lifestyles. You will also learn about the life-cycle of the reindeer, what they eat in the winter, why they now have to be provided with sup-plemental food in the coldest months, what this supplemental fodder is and how it is transported to them whilst they roam freely.

Learn, too, about how the herders know which reindeer belong to them and how the families work together as in the days of old, during, for instance, the ear-marking season or general gatherings and separations at which the reindeer might be separated for culling or deworming.

You may be surprised by some of the things that you will learn; for instance, that the Sami used to insulate their shoes with grass but that they now use newspaper – or why the dreaded mosquito, so much a part of the Arctic land-scape in summer months, is actually much appreciated by the reindeer herders.

A highlight of the tour is having the chance to feed some of the reindeer and to meet the baby ones in the corral. Everyone is also given the opportunity to see a lasso demonstration and to try throwing it for themselves.

In the Kota (a Lappish cottage) hot drinks and a tasty lunch of reindeer sausage, Lappish bread and salad, are served whilst seated around an open fire. There will also be an opportunity to taste dried reindeer meat. (Vegetarian option available) whilst we chat more about sámi culture and the history of reindeer husbandry.

Duration about 2-3 hours.

Price: €60 for adults and €45 for children under 12 (children under 2, free).Minimum group size: 2Price includes: A c. 20 minute reindeer sleigh ride (2 pax / sleigh), a talk about reindeer husbandry and life as a reindeer herder in Lapland, a lasso-throwing demonstration and chance to try throwing the lasso and to feed the reindeer. Hot drinks in a Lappish Kota and a dried or smoked reindeer meat snack.

Tour available in: Finish, Swedish, English and German.

Short visits are also occassionally possible (One hour, without lunch, for €25) - preferably on Thursdays.